Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry

Youth Ministry encourages the youth of Saint Maximilian Kolbe Parish to strengthen their relationship with God and their community through service and faith related events. Our goals are to inspire young people to share their unique gifts and responsibly participate in our parishes, to expand their understanding of the Catholic faith, and to provide an environment of fun, love, support, and acceptance. As we continue to grow and expand our programs and offerings, we invite you to take part in one or more of our exciting events!

Family Mass – We invite students from our Religious Education program to help serve during the Liturgy. All families are invited to join us for this youth-friendly celebration of the Liturgy.

Jump4Jesus – An age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for ages 5 and up, once a month, at the 9:30 a.m. Mass. Just before the Liturgy of the Word begins, children are invited to go with the leaders from the church to the lower level. During this special time, the volunteer teacher leads the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children. The children are taught a simplified main message of the readings and are encouraged to share that message with their parents after Mass.

Vacation Bible School – Usually held during the first week of August, each year a new fun theme is chosen to teach children Bible stories, religious songs, arts and crafts, skits, or puppet shows which cater toward elementary school-aged children.

Confirmation Program – This program is designed to guide young people of our churches to take greater personal responsibility for those promises, which were first made for them at their Baptism by their parents and godparents. As candidates preparing for Confirmation, these young people have the choice and opportunity to deepen their relationship with God and to become a more integrated and active member of their parish. The process of preparation is meant to help each young person make an informed and free decision about following Jesus as a young Catholic. This program traditionally begins when the student has reached 9th grade.

GOTCHA Girls: The GOTCHA Girls involves young ladies in programs to benefit the Church, the community, as well as in recreational and social activities. All programs are organized and planned by members. Young ladies ages 9-18 are invited to join!

Columbian Squires – An international fraternity of approximately 25,000 Catholic young men, ages 10 to 18. The Squires involves young men in programs to benefit the Church, the community, as well as in recreational and social activities.

St. Francis Day ~ Blessing of Animals – To celebrate the Feast of St. Francis on October 4th, all are welcome to join in the blessing of pets and other animals (live or stuffed). Stories about Saint Francis are shared and precede the blessing in front of The Lyceum.

Stations of the Cross in Silhouette – A powerful presentation of the Station’s of the Cross-through the eyes of his mother, Mary. This program is presented by our youth, each year, on the last Friday of Lent.

Rocket Launch – After learning about the science behind rocketry, our youth and those feeling like youth, enjoy an afternoon of launching model rockets, each September, as part of our Community Picnic at the Terryville Fairgrounds.

Babysitting-Movie Night – Need to do some Christmas Shopping? Each December we host children for a night of fun, so that parents can run some errands before Christmas. Activities included are movies, video games, pizza and snacks.

Snow Ball Dance – A winter dance, open and free to everyone! The dance is held the first Friday in January. Events for the night include music, dancing, snacks, and games.

Archery Day – Visiting the archery range and learning how to properly a bow, nock an arrow, aim and shoot Archery is a favorite activity for youth. An Archery Specialist begins the session by teaching the “Rules of the Range” to promote safety first.

Youth Ministry Fundraising Auction – As our biggest annual fundraiser, the Youth Ministry Fundraising Auction raises the funds necessary for us to provide our programs for free or at a reduced rate.

About STMKP

In 2017, the parishes of Immaculate Conception, Saint Casimir, and Saint Thomas were merged by decree into the Parish of Saint Maximilian Kolbe. Since that time, these three churches have worked together to build a strong parish of believers in Jesus Christ while respecting the unique identity, rituals, traditions, and roots of each parish.